The dark Iraqi streets looked deserted, but they heard movement all around them. Captain Perry motioned Mike forward. “Sergeant Hightower, take a couple of guys with you and cover the side exit.”

Mike nodded. He gestured toward Ramirez and Mason, and they silently followed him around the side of
the building where they took their positions behind an old burnt-out wreck.

Mike had just finished adjusting his night vision goggles when an explosion erupted behind them. The reverberations from it hadn’t died away before another shell detonated in front of them.

The bright flash of light temporarily blinded Mike.

“Fall back!” he heard Perry scream from somewhere on his right.

Mike staggered, tripped, and fell. The men beside him each grabbed an arm and hauled him to his feet.

“Move your feet, Hightower,” Ramirez snarled.

They had gone about ten yards when gunfire opened up behind them. Ramirez screamed, and Mike felt him go down. He tripped again but managed to hang on to his gun. “Shoot, Mike! Hostiles at ten o’clock!” Mason yelled.

Mike fired, but he must not have hit anything because seconds later a hot, boring pain almost tore off his shoulder. Blindly he fired into the dark, and moments later, his leg took fire.

As his anger built, Mike forgot about the pain in his shoulder and leg. Ramirez had been his friend. These

people didn’t appreciate a thing that the United States was trying to do for them.

****

A world away, Jenna West signed her name on the dotted line and became a homeowner. “I think you got a bargain,” the realtor said. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but it definitely has potential. The structure is sound. All it needs is a bit of cosmetic work and a new hot water heater.”

“I don’t mind the work,” Jenna assured him. “I’ve never owned a home before; fixing up the place will be a labor of love.”

She took her daughter’s hand on the way to the car. “When can we move in, Mama?” Jo demanded.

“Not for a few weeks yet, but don’t worry, sweet pea. The place is all ours.”

“Hooray,” Jo cheered.

“Hooray,” Jenna cheered right back, and Jo burst out laughing, making Jenna feel as if she were the best mom in the whole world.